Two Royal Caribbean Group ships have completed the testing of power by biofuels over 12 weeks in Europe this summer.
The company began trials with biofuels last year and expanded the tests to Royal Caribbean International’s Symphony of the Seas and Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Apex.
The sustainable biofuel blends tested were produced by purifying renewable raw materials like waste oils and fats and combining them with fuel oil to create an alternative fuel that is cleaner and more sustainable, according to the group.
The biofuel blends tested are accredited by International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC), a globally recognised organisation that ensures sustainability of biofuels and verifies reductions of related emissions.
With Symphony of the Seas departing from Barcelona and Celebrity Apex from Rotterdam, both ships ran multiple sailings using biofuel, contributing “critical data” on its capabilities.
These results will help accelerate Royal Caribbean Group’s plans to continue testing the use of different types of biofuels on European sailings this autumn.
The company confirmed onboard technical systems met operational standards, without quality or safety concerns, “demonstrating the biofuel blend is a reliable ‘drop in’ supply of lower emission energy that ships can use to set sail across Europe and beyond”.
The group is “exploring strategic partnerships” with suppliers and ports to ensure the availability of biofuel and infrastructures “to advance the maritime energy transition”.
President and chief executive Jason Liberty said: “This is a pivotal moment for Royal Caribbean Group’s alternative fuel journey.
“Following our successful trial of biofuels this summer, we are one step closer to bringing our vision for net-zero cruising to life.
“As we strive to protect and promote the vibrant oceans we sail, we are determined to accelerate innovation and improve how we deliver vacation experiences responsibly.”
Barcelona port president Lluis Salvado added: “Royal Caribbean’s success is a clear example of how commitment to innovation makes possible the development of solutions to decarbonise the maritime sector.
“In this case, it involves the cruise sector and focuses on biofuels, an area in which the port of Barcelona is already working to become an energy hub, producing and supplying zero carbon fuels, such as green hydrogen and ammonia, and of other almost zero-carbon alternative fuels, such as methanol, biofuels or synthetic fuels.
“Innovation and collaboration between ports and shipping companies is key to accelerate the decarbonisation of maritime transport.”